It’s easy to lose hope for the next generation when newspapers are full of stories about students bringing drugs and weapons to school, teens being arrested for gang activities and schools failing to earn accreditation because of poor test scores. But once in a while there are stories that give us reason to look forward to the promise of the young generation.

Samson Worrell’s story of being named Youth of the Year in Suffolk is one such instance. Worrell earned the honor through his involvement with the Suffolk Unit of the Boys and Girls Club of Southeast Virginia. Though he did not earn the distinction of being named the top youth for all of South Hampton Roads, Worrell has plenty of reasons to be proud of his accomplishments, and Suffolk has plenty of reasons to be proud of this young hometown hero.

Worrell, a senior at Lakeland High School, has been attending the Boys and Girls Club at John F. Kennedy since he was 8. During that time, he has distinguished himself with his leadership and character, and he has set a fine example of academic rigor and commitment to the other kids participating in the program, according to Reggie Carter, director of the Suffolk Unit.

“He has great academic standards and has served the community and his club,” Carter said recently. “He’s definitely overcome some obstacles during his life, and has been a shining example for those fellow club members.”

Worrell also has taken that commitment back to school, where he participates in Lakeland’s Men of Distinction program and is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, along with playing on the school’s basketball team. He works at Sentara Obici Hospital to gain experience in support of his goal to major in pharmacology in college.

Worrell is the second youth from his family to earn the distinction of being named Youth of the Year in Suffolk. His sister, Miracle Worrell, won the honor in 2009 and went on to become the region’s title holder.

Clearly the Worrell family has learned something about raising young people who are engaged in their community and have a desire to make a difference in their world. The family deserves praise for such a significant accomplishment.